Friday, July 20, 2007

Mom & Dad

Today I went for a visit at my mother's house and while I was there I thought I would take some photos of the quilts I made for her and my father. I gave them both their quilts at Christmas 1998. My mom's quilt is made with 30's repos and the center is a pattern series printed in a 1930's newspaper. The center blocks are all solids and are hand appliqued and hand quilted. I did machine quilt in the ditch around all the 30's patchwork.

She cried when she read the label and I was very pleased with her reaction as she had NO idea I was making her a quilt. I pictured how much she would love to cover up on a cold winter afternoon and watch a movie. Or how she would wrap herself in it to take a nap. Nope. It is living in the glass enclosed shrine of a quilt rack that she bought right after that Christmas. I don't think my dad uses his much either. I know she loves it and it is so special to her that she can not bring herself to keep it on the foot of her bed or the back of her couch. As a quilter you know what I am trying to say. I am flattered that she loves it so much but for crying out loud, use it!

My dad's quilt is a thimbleberries pattern and fabric. I machine quilted it in the ditch (yes, it was during my "I can quilt in the ditch" phase) It actually did not turn out bad.
I also made a special label for his quilt. My parents are both wonderful people and I am so blessed to have them.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Both wonderful quilts Bren, but I'm with you. You have a quilt, use it.
8 hours and "the quilt" is all pinned out ready for the next stage.

CONNIE W said...

What lovely quilts and gifts to your parents. I love the labels.

Lily Mulholland said...

What gorgeous quilts and the labels are a great idea too :)

The pattern/fabrics you chose for dad's quilt are fabulous. And c'mon Bren's mum - use the quilt!!

Wendy said...

What a touching story and the labels are wonderful. I've never seen a glass quilt rack before, that's new to me. Lovely picture of your parents, thanks for sharing.

meggie said...

Beautiful quilts for your lovely parents.
I would rather my quilts were used & loved- even if they are loved to death!

Teodo said...

Beautiful the quilt, lovely the label and nice and romantic your parents.
ciao ciao

Joni said...

I am with you Bren use it up and wear it out I can always make another! But then I totally understand why she feels she can't use it too.

Both quilts are gorgeous!

Andrea said...

Fabulous quilts - especially your mums ! I know what you mean about wanting your quilts to be used. I made my sister a lovely Sisters Choice quilt for christmas 2 years ago and I had to nag her for ages to put it on her bed and not have it stored away.

Sue said...

I remember your moms quilt but don't remember seeing your dad's. I really like that pattern, it would make a great scrap quilt! LOL

Solstitches said...

Both of the quilts are beautiful!
I'm just beginning to collect 1930's fabrics - a complete about turn from the TB that I love so much.
What a wonderful picture of your mom and dad. I hope they get to enjoy their quilts for many, many years to come no matter if it is just admiring them or using them.

Lynda (Granny K) said...

How lovely! I can understand why your folks would want to keep the quilts just perfect - they are so much more than just a quilt!

Rose Marie said...

What lovely quilts and it really is quite common for older folks to not use a gift. They want to keep it for a special occasion. Why?